Removal of Turbidity From Aquatic Solution by Continuous Electrocoagulation/ Electroflotation (Ec–Ef)



Mohsenibandpei A^{1, 2} ; Mohseni SM^{1, 2} ; Sheikhmohammadi A^{3, 4} ; Lotfi K⁵ ; Mahamedi H⁵ ; Hosseini MA⁶ ; Alibadi F⁷ Show Affiliations
Source: Advances in Environmental Biology Published:2015

Abstract

Some coagulating agents, such as metal hydroxides, are produced during the electrolysis process. In this research application of the electro coagulation- electro floatation process to separate turbidity from aquatic solution was investigated. A laboratory-scale reactor (24 cm×17 cm×18 cm), made of plexiglass, was used in the experiments. There were 4 (15 cm×16 cm) metal plates(electrode) from iron with 1mm thickness in the tank that were placed parallel to each other with 1.5cm interspace electrodes were connected to a digital DC power supply characterized by the ranges 1– 6.0mA/cm2 for current and 0–50V for voltage in monopolar mode. The electrocoagulation and settlement compartments were operated in series. Turbidity removal during the various levels of pH, voltage and contact time was considered. It illustrated a direct relationship between the removal efficiency of turbidity and the current density(P<0.05). The optimum removal efficiency (90%) was occurred at a current density of 3.2 A. Increasing the current density and removal efficiency, tend to more consumption levels of electrode(P<0.05). The highest level of turbidity removal from solution using iron electrodes (89.92%) was obtained in 30 min for pH=7 and voltage=50 V. Turbidity removal from solution was achieved in range of 45.2%- 89.92%.Regarding to the results of the tests, using of electro coagulation- electro floatation has an appropriate efficiency in turbidity removal. © 2015 AENSI Publisher All rights reserved.